NZ avocado growers gain FernMark export licence
New Zealand avocado growers have received a major boost by securing a collective FernMark Licence for their exports.
The avocado industry has become the seventh industry partner to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership.
"It's very pleasing to have the avocado industry on-board, working with the Ministry for Primary Industries and other industry partners to manage and respond to the most important biosecurity risks," says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.
Avocados are New Zealand's third largest fresh fruit export. In the 2014-2015 season the industry produced 7.1 million trays of avocados worth around $135 million.
"The GIA means the industry can work in partnership and contribute their time, expertise, and resources to achieve better biosecurity outcomes," he says.
"Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we need the input of industry and the wider public to make the system as effective as possible.
"I've always said biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister and this is backed up with a range of new initiatives. Last year's funding boost of $27 million has meant more detector dogs, x-ray machines and inspectors.
"We also have the new border clearance levy, a new inflight video for international passengers, and an $87 million biocontainment laboratory under construction at Wallaceville."
The New Zealand Avocado Growers' Association joins Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, New Zealand Pork, New Zealand Equine Health Association, Onions New Zealand, the NZ Forestry Owners Association and the Ministry for Primary Industries under GIA.
All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
Claims that some Southland farmers were invoiced up to $4000 for winter grazing compliance checks despite not breaching rules are being rejected by Environment Southland.
According to the most recent Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey, farmer confidence has inched higher, reaching its second highest reading in the last decade.
From 1 October, new livestock movement restrictions will be introduced in parts of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
Phoebe Scherer, a technical manager from the Bay of Plenty, has won the 2025 Young Grower of the Year national title.
The Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand (FCANZ) celebrated the best of the best at the 2025 Fencing Industry Awards, providing the opportunity to honour both rising talent and industry stalwarts.
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